Producer

CCOF 2 acre farm located just west of Occidental on a ridge known for it’s warm days and cool nights, ideal for ripening fruit to perfection. Mixed plantings of various fruit varieties though mainly apples and pears. Many heritage apple and pear varieties available as well as newer varieties. Fruit is always tree ripened with multiple picks, known as hang time, to insure highest quality.

Bella Ridge Farm’s certified organic (CCOF) tree-ripened fruit has been a popular staple at local farmers markets. The marketing focus is being shifted to sell primarily through F.E.E.D Cooperative. Some of the apple varieties include Honeycrisp, Hudson’s Golden Gem, Jonagold, Empire, Macoun, Northern Spy, Gold Rush, and Mutsu, with a season running from August through November. Farmer Ted is also known for his delicious pears. Asian varieties include Hosui, 20th Century, and Olympic. European pears such as Warren, French Butter, Comice, and Bosc are always popular with customers.

Certified organic. No till in Orchard. Clover planted yearly in row middles. Compost spread twice a year through entire orchard. Soil samples taken annually with the goal to increase organic matter and have balanced minerals in soil to increase sweetness in fruit.. Hedgerow along fence adds to existing pollinator plantings. All inputs follow CCOF guidelines. Trees are pruned annually to increase optimum fruiting wood. Multiple thinnings of fruit regulates crop balance to increase sugars and flavors.